One day later, Ravens coach John Harbaugh has confirmed the team's hopes for its starting tight end. Harbaugh explained Tuesday that Pitta hasn't gone on injured reserve because they want to be sure he's actually done for the year first.

The hope stems from tests that were administered after the initial injury. Pitta didn't suffer any ligament or cartilage damage to the area around the hip, which considerably lessens the recovery process.

If the Ravens still are optimistic by September, they can stash Pitta on injured reserve, with a designation to return. The team did the same thing last season with Ray Lewis, who made a surprising return from a triceps injury to help lead Baltimore to a Super Bowl win.